What is /dev/null?

In [[w:Unix|Unix] [[w:programmer|programmer] jargon, it may also be called the [[w:bit_bucket|bit bucket] or black hole. The null device is typically used for disposing of unwanted outputstreams of a process, or as a convenient empty file for input streams. This is usually done by redirection.

A famous advertisement for the Titanium [w:PowerBook_G4 PowerBook G4] read [The Titanium Powerbook G4] Sends other UNIX boxes to /dev/null.

A warning to users that the system's /dev/null is already 98% full.

The [w:April_Fool's April Fool's], [w:1995 1995] issue of the [wiki:Germany German]] magazine [w:c't c't] reported on an enhanced /dev/nullchip that would efficiently dispose of the incoming data by converting it to flicker on an internal glowing [w:Light-emitting_diode LED].